Design Tools for Upgrading Underground Infrastructure in a Congested Urban Environment

摘要

This paper describes how multiple design tools were used to enhance the design of a new relief sewer system and associated hydraulic structures in a congested urban environment. These tools included advanced hydraulic modeling using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and enhanced field reconnaissance via a detailed Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) program. The SUE program was part of a graduated approach to identify and locate underground utilities. Record drawings, CCTV inspections, traditional surveying and 360-degree manhole scans were used to develop a comprehensive database of existing underground infrastructure. Using this information, the basic alignment of the new relief sewer and locations of the near-surface hydraulic structures were established. Based on the data gathered from the SUE program, the designs of the near-surface hydraulic structures were modified to avoid the need to relocate existing utilities. It also identified potential utility conflicts that were not anticipated. Design modifications included changing the size or shape of a structure and/or altering its location. The sizes and configurations of the new, near-surface hydraulic structures were optimized using advanced hydraulic modeling, including the application of CFD analysis methods. The results of this modeling were used to refine structural configurations to improve constructability while preserving the required hydraulic functionality. Two specific near-surface hydraulic structures will be discussed.